General Motors offers either remote start or a manual transmission in some of its vehicles. And while remote start is convenient, especially during the colder winter months, a stick is just plain fun. Unfortunately, it’s an either-or proposition, since remote start requires an automatic gearbox. So the question is, which do you get?
Moreover, does it depend on the specific model (the stick in the sporty Camaro but remote start with an automatic in the more conventional Cruze)? Vote in the poll and then sound off in the comments below!
Comments
It really does depend on the car…
I think so too. But only if I have more than 1 car. But if I had the choice on my Cruze, I would get the stick instead of the remote start. Unfortunately, the stick wasn’t available for the 2011 model year… 🙁
If you want a stick and remote start you can have both. I have a pal with a JDM Toyota Carina GT with a 6 speed manual. He has auto start fitted as part of his alarm setup. I’m a fan of automatics but I don’t need auto-start either.
There’s really no reason why GM and others couldn’t offer auto-start with a manual option. There are switches and sensors galore that could determine that the vehicle is in neutral, parking brake set, etc. If I had to choose, I’d choose a stick.
I haven’t thought of this, but you’re most likely right. I wonder, though, what the demand level for such a combination would be.
I’m pretty sure that an army of lawyers told the automakers that putting remote start on a manual transmission car was (at least in the USA) a recipe for lawsuits. I like remote start because of the heat. It would be great to have the car cooled down before I got in. I spend a lot of time in the low desert (Palm Springs) and the car gets very hot, even if it’s parked in the shade or covered.
However, I would like two different cars. I want my daily drive to have an automatic or at least a DSG-type of transmission. Traffic in LA is hell daily and on most of my quotidian trips, my average speed is less than 18 mph because so much of it is in heavy city traffic. Auto start would be a nifty little option.
For my 2nd car, I’d love to have a manual transmission. Whether it’s a Porsche, Corvette or a BMW, the stick is much more fun and engaging when you’re out of traffic and/or driving some of the great roads we have in California.
Alex – you’re right about demand. More than 90% of cars sold in the US (and the figure only goes up every year) have an automatic transmission. With such a low take rate on the stick and the potential for something to go wrong with an idiot driver and remote start, I doubt it makes economic sense for the manufacturers to bother.
I just love the automatic transmission and I am an European so I want a remote start
Only 2 out the 7 commenters answered the question!! As much as I would love the Regal GS with a manual, I’d ultimately choose the convenience of a remote start because of my Buffalo winters and because the auto transmission has a manual shift mode (albeit a neutered one).